Travelling Moi: The Alhambra of Granada

The Alhambra of Granada depicts a rich boundless history. The eminence of its beauty influenced many great authors like Washington Irving, Paulo Coelho, Salman Rushdie, Philippa Gregory and many others to write novels set in The Alhambra. Many musicians and composers wrote songs about its magnificence. And numerous movies were filmed in its grandeur walls.

Th Alhambra (al-qala’a al-hamra), an Arabic name which means ''the red castle'', was originally built as a fortress in the 9th century. Many years later, the fortress was abandoned and left to crumble. However, in the mid-11th century, a Nasrid ruler named Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar restored the old fortress by adding the palace and walls. His successors proceeded with the reconstruction but it was not until the 13th century The Alhambra became a royal residence. Sultan Yusuf I of Granada constructed the Gate of Justice, Chamber of the Ambassadors (Throne Room), The Baths of Comares and some of the Towers. His son Muhammed V, completed the embellishment of the Royal Palace and added the Court of the Lions.

In 1481, the Emirate of Granada reclaimed the Castillian town, Zahara de la Sierra and this regain gave the Castillians the pretense to invade Granada. The last Nasrid ruler of Granada, Muhammad XII was convened by the Catholic Monarch, King Ferdinand II of Argon and Queen Isabella of Castille to surrender Granada. The Muslim ruler capitulated the Emirate of Granada in 1492 without The Alhambra of being attacked and destroyed by the Castillians. After the Christian conquest, the Alhambra mosque was changed into a church and a convent was built. Emperor Charles V, grandson of the Catholic Monarch, replaced some of the interior of the palace.

After many centuries of being forgotten and disclaimed, The Alhambra was occupied by vagrants and robbers. The rediscovery of Alhambra in the 19th century, prompted its renovation and development. Today, Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's Major Attraction.

The Alhambra of Granada
Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain
Coordinates: 37° 10′ 0″ N, 3° 35′ 24″ W
Admission: 15€